Soon the orange hue will be replaced by silver clouds at dusk’s final breath
The dusk glow grows weary and prepares to be reborn again tomorrow
Krakatau rises tall, sobbing quietly as if unwilling to part with the Sun
Indeed, the passage from evening to night always carries stories

Krakatau coughs briefly as a farewell sign, spewing lava and crackling sparks—as if they were two lovers struck by amnesia
That night felt different, the sea roared and swept across Krakatau’s soles
as if bringing news of what it means to lose and to be present

Waves brushed gently against its ankles,
for they are its loyal subjects, never defying its command
Coincidentally, the Full Moon arrived to comfort it, whispering:
“I too am your unacknowledged lover”--for when dimmed, Krakatau often sat in quiet solitude

Krakatau recalled the tale once told by its parents
before they vanished into the earth from where it was born
That many things could be done on the island of Java
where their elder and ancient comrades have long passed,
and only a few remain—but why does loneliness still prevail?

The moon advised it to speak of its solitude
and promised to share it with the remaining ancient comrades
Again, the moon revealed a snippet of conversation
between Semeru and its followers who still question
who the true leader of the ancient mountains is

The moon then announced: the King of Krakatau has died
and been replaced by the Prince—Anak Krakatau
After their talk, the Sun rose once more,
and Krakatau appeared mighty—yet that’s not its destined nature
It has never broken its promise to the Creator
nor allowed its body to be trampled by vile creatures